A DECISION by the council to close the sixth form at Culcheth High School will be discussed during a scrutiny meeting today.

The sixth form was set to close on August 31 following years of dwindling pupil numbers after the council’s executive board voted unanimously in support of the governors’ decision to shut down the sixth form on Warrington Road.

It was previously reported that one of the reasons behind the decision was because it would not have been cost-effective for the school to keep the sixth form open - with the shortfall being met by the budget for 11 to 16 provision.

But the decision has been called in as part of the overview and scrutiny process by Clr Chris Vobe (Culcheth, Glazebury and Croft - LAB), who strongly opposes the closure.

He said: “Ward councillors from Culcheth and Rixton will use the scrutiny process to present detailed evidence regarding the proposed closure of Culcheth Sixth Form.

“We believe there are a number of important points that deserve greater consideration, particularly in respect of the governance of the school and the way in which the sixth form has been marketed.

“It is important to stress that scrutiny does not have the power to overturn a decision, but it can refer the matter back to the council’s executive board.

“I look forward to making the case on behalf of residents on Wednesday evening.”

The scrutiny meeting will start at 6.30pm at the Town Hall.